Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are full of Turkey and all the trimmin's! Enjoying those leftovers yet? LOL!

I've always wanted to do a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale in my SouthernTraditions2 Etsy Store, but haven't been able to figure out what kind of discount I could give you and still not shoot myself in the foot :-) Well, I think I've come up with something that will help you out a little and still be "do-able" for me. What you can do, on order placed, AND PAID FOR, between Friday, November 25th and Monday, November 28th, take $5.00 off your order of $50.00 or more (amount BEFORE shipping). I can't do a coupon code, but I will refund the money back to your Paypal account. I know it's not much, but I know during this time that every little bit helps :)

Now, as for my Torrilynn123 Reusable Sandwich bag Store , use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2011 for an additional 15% off your total order!

Ya'll come on by and see all the new CUTE Christmas Tee Appliques that I've been working on!

Be sure to take a look at these awesome Personalized Coasters too! Can be done in Collegiate fabrics/colors, kids themes, sorority or dorm room colors, Christmas colors, etc. These are perfect gifts for Teachers, Friends, InLaws, OutLaws (heehee), Secret Santa, you name it!

Enjoy your shopping weekend, everyone! Hope you get your list taken care of ;)

Enter to win 2 City Passes

Enter HERE to win 2 City Passes for yourself and 2 for a friend. Contest ends later this evening, so hurry!

My family and I used these for Atlanta last year and just LOVED them! They are a great price and really do save you money! Some other great cities are Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.

Good Luck and let me know if you win! :)

Come and get your Turkey......

Head on over to my FB fan page so you can get your very own Turkey Initial Tee.

This is a special price break for FB FANS ONLY! Be sure to LIKE my page so you can get in on the deal too! Special pricing expires Sunday, October 16th.

A few of my favorite things

Daisy's in Olive Clutch Purse by Poppy Punch

Flour Sack Pillows by CatNapCottage

Mother's Day Wooden Plaque by Piccadilly Peddler

Recycled Ruffle Rose Sweater Pillow by That Funky Boutique

Do you have some favorite items too? Share them with us!

Fingerprint Friday ........ Blessings

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?

I know I'm reposting a picture from the post below......but this just reminded me that I'm so thankful to be able to make and eat delicious food like this every day. God is so good! Be sure to take a look at Beki's Blog to see the other "Fingerprints" from today!

Banana Crumb Muffins, Oh my!

As I was perusing allrecipes.com the other day, this recipe kinda jumped out at me and said "Make Me". So I did! :)

Not only do these muffins smell amazing while they're baking, they are completely awesome to eat as well. Oh yeah!
The crumb topping is really what makes this recipe. For some reason the crumb mixture sank into the middle of the muffin. But boy let me tell ya, that was probably the BEST part!

Ms. M loved them so much that she's begged me to make another batch. Just our luck that bananas are on sale this week!

RECIPE: Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2.In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3.In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4.Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
These are so moist and go great with your favorite cup o' joe or hot tea. Perfect for the cooler temps! It's supposed to be in the 40's for lows this weekend, so might need to whip up a batch of these! :) ENJOY!

New Layette set.....Dino Dudes

I've always wanted to make a sweet little layette set for newborns, and finally got the chance to for a sweet customer.
Complete Towel Set (Click on the link)

I loved this Dino Dudes set, but I can make just about anything from all of the appliques that I have :-) Go HERE to see most of what I have.
Would you like to add just an appliqued bib? Then here's the listing for you:
Personalized Appliqued Bib (Click on the link)

We can also make the matching onesie to complete your set :) Almost wish my kids were young again so I could make more of these! Thanks so much for looking! Be sure to contact me if you'd like to have your very own set made.

Bleck.......

Do you ever have those days (or weeks) when you get in a food rut?

Sure, I look at allrecipes.com, ThePioneerWoman.com and other foodie sites.
Love what they have on there, but do I feel like cooking it? No.

(Although this does look AH-MAZING!)
Cajun Chicken Pasta

Take a lookie HERE to see the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

My poor family needs me to get out of this funk :)
No, they aren't going hungry, and they say my meals are great.

Is it just me?
I sometimes get in these "don't wanna's", but this one is lasting for a while.
I guess I should just enjoy not wanting to eat.
I am excercising, and have been told I look thinner.

Don't think these things will help loose weight, but they do look Scrumpdeliscious!
Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Muffins...YUMMO!

Go HERE to see this recipe, (courtesy of allrecipes.com).
Hmmmmm, maybe not wanting to eat is a good thing??? :)

What do you do when you get in a FOOD RUT?

Fingerprint Friday....Under HIS wings

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

Psalm 57:1 "Have Mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."

I love this photo (wish I would have taken it!). God truely surrounds us with His wings every day. What a comforting thought!
Be sure to take a look at Beki's The Rusted Chain blog to see other "Fingerprints".

New fall/Halloween appliques available

I've been busy trying to get some samples done of my new Fall/Halloween appliques.



You have your choice of font for the initials. Will not be done on this type of orange dot, but one that is similar.



CUTE CUTE CUTE!!! Your choice of initial and name under it. I've got a super cute orange fabric with spiders that will be used for this. Can also do another color in solid if you'd like ;)



LOVE this! Comes with your choice of initial, then name underneath.



Who doesn't love Candy Corn? All I know is I need to stay away from the real thing this year, as I can eat a whole tub in one sitting! LOL! This sample is done in Tinkertoy font, but you can have your choice as well.

If you are interested in any of the above appliques, please leave a comment with your email addy and I'll get in touch with you for special pricing!

Feel free to go HERE too. I have a lot more appliques listed.

Fingerprint Friday...... Beauty

This is something Beki, over at The Rusted Chain has been doing every Friday. This is a great way to end the business week and get ready for the weekend! Be sure to take a look at everyone elses "Fingerprints" too!

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?



Had a visitor the other day. I loved watching this butterfly as she flitted from one zinnia to the next. It was hard to capture the simple beauty of this creature, but she finally rested enough for me to snap this picture.

Even though we as humans enjoy beautiful things, this scripture reminded me of what is truely important:

" Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your innerself, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Gods sight". 1 Peter 3:3-4

The Rusted Chain Giveaway

Beki, over at The Rusted Chain is having another giveaway! 2 Lucky people will win a $50.00 gift certificate over to her shop . there are SOOOOO many things I'd like, so I know I'd love to win!

Here are just a couple of samples of her newly listing pretties!






I still love and wear the earrings that she sent me a couple of years ago! Be sure to post back here if you're one of the winners!

Weekly Wednesday Meal Planner

I do enjoy making meal plans, because most of the time, when they're made, we stick to them. :) I tried making them on Monday's, but I find that Wednesday's are probably better for me, since that's when the weekly sales come out and I make the meal plan from the meats that are on sale that week.

Are you ready, here we go..........

Wednesday ~ Leftovers (we had several that we needed to get rid of, I hate to throw food away!)
Thursday ~ Beef tips, rice and gravy
Friday ~ Sloppy Joes, home fries
Saturday ~ Beef Stroganoff, salad
Sunday ~ Italian Sausage with onions,bellpepper
Monday ~ Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe found HERE
Tuesday ~ Salmon patties, potato salad

What do you have planned this week?

Repurposing ~ Note board

I really enjoy repurposing items when I have a chance. I like the fact that, most of the time, I can use stuff I already have around the house. Out of pocket expense is minimal, if that!

This is a cute little memo board that Ms. M got when she was around 8. She was into princess things back then, but since she's 10 going on 20, not so much anymore :) Her room is done in hot pink and black, so this TOTALLY DID NOT MATCH ANYMORE....oh my! Can't have that now can we?



All I did was cut off the ribbon first. (be sure to save it for later!)



I had this pretty fabric out in one of my totes. Ironed it nice and smooth, then cut it 2" bigger than the board.



I love my staple gun, so I love any excuse to use it! I just folded the fabric in
1", then folded it on top of the board, then WHAMO! Staple it in place. I did one side, then worked on the opposite side, pulling the fabric nice and taught.



Mitered the corners.......



I also used my glue gun and glued the fabric down too (this step is not necessary).



Added the ribbon back to the board. (just hot glued it down on the side)



Reattached the brads and VOILA~!



A brand new note board! This only took us about 30 minutes and now Ms. M has a new board to place all of her cool little notes and cards! She has one that is a longer/skinnier version too...... I guess we'll need to get another hotpink/black fabric to do that one :)

I hope you found this information useful! There is so much that I need to repurpose around the house, guess I should start making my "honey-me" list! Is there anything you've repurposed lately?

Hobby Lobby Coupon

Go HERE to print your 40% off one item coupon from Hobby Lobby!

Needless to say, I love when they have this coupon :) Now, what to buy!!! Enjoy.

Fingerprint Friday.......Scary Face

This is something Beki, over at The Rusted Chain has been doing every Friday. This is a great way to end the business week and get ready for the weekend! Be sure to take a look at everyone elses "Fingerprints" too!

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?



We had a wonderful time over at Wild Adventures in Valdosta, GA this past weekend. I'm always a little bit of an over-protective Momma when it comes to things like this, but the kids had a BLAST! God was with us and we made wonderful memories.

I know this photo is a TAD over-exposed, but I love the fact that you can completely pick out Ms. M.....her wide mouth and everything (loving the contrast!!) Calm brother Big Poppa is next to her!

"Be still and know that I AM GOD...." Psalms 46:10
Have a blessed weekend :)

Jump up and slap someone Salsa

Oh yeah, this stuff is THAT good! :)



I think our favorite thing when we go out to a Mexican restuarant is the chips and salsa. Well, look no further, you can now have the same thing at home, at a fraction of the "going out to eat" cost!

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cans of Rotel
20 oz can of tomatoes
1/2 onion ****(can't believe I forgot this the first time! lol)
1 jalapeno
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup fresh cilantro
1 tbsp salt
3 dashes of hot sauce

Combine all ingredients into a blender or Cuisnart. Pulse until all of the ingredients are incorporated and the consistency you like. Add a bag of Santita chips (these are $2.00 for a big bag) and VOILA!

Honestly, this is amazing, but even better if left for a day to blend all of the flavors. This recipe fills a 3 lb butter bowl!

Cost break down:
28 oz tomatoes $1.00
2 1/2 cans Rotel $1.74 (these go BOGO at Publix quite often)
Cilantro .22 (cost is .88 for the bunch, but only takes a little)
Jalapeno FREE (our son grew these last year and we froze them)
Lemon juice .10 (I just bought one of those plastic lemons)
hot sauce .02 (just guessing here! :) )
garlic .05 (?? )

Total: $3.13

I probably should figure out how many cups are in this batch, but it's never around long enough to find out.

Enjoy and let me know if you try this!

I love me some Cookie!

Look at the new character that decided to show up on my STREET?



This is a new Hooded Towel that is available in my Store . Come on by and say HEY COOKIE!

We've been busy!

WHEW! What a week, or two! It seems like this summer has slipped by so fast and the kids go back to school August 15th.....seriously? Already?

We've been taking a couple of last-minute vaca's......so much fun was had yesterday and today at Wild Adventures! I've got tons of pics to edit, so will post some as soon as they are done. I am exhausted, as the 115 degree HEAT INDEX about zapped me of all life :) Atleast we did the water park this morning, so we weren't as stinkin' hot all day like we were yesterday!

I will try and start posting atleast 2 recipes each week.....who can't resist a little helping hand in the kitchen, I know I'd love to have an extra or two.

Hope you all are having a great summer and hope that you are a little cooler than we are down in the south! Don't forget, post a comment, I love to read them :)

See ya Monday! God Bless!

Thought I'd leave you with a cool retro sign that I snapped a picture of (in a MOVING car too!) on one of our many trips up to Columbus, GA!

Thomas

I think I've found my favorite applique tee (for now anywho!!!). I made this tee for a sweet little boy's train themed birthday party and love how it turned out ;) Take a peek over at my Monogram Store to see it and pricing info!!!

Leave a comment, let me know if you like this or what other kind of appliques you'd like ;)

Zinnia's.....so easy to grow

This is a garden of Zinnia's that Ms. M has grown! I can honestly say that I've never had a flower so EASY PEASY to grow from seed.

We planted these one day in June, and within 5 days they had started to germinate. In about a month or so, these things have sprouted and GROWN!!!



Some are around 2' tall and have some of the prettiest colors. I love all of the layers of petals.




This variation have smaller "heads" than some of the Zinnia's, but are almost dainty and Oh-So-Pretty!




Isn't it amazing how God has come up with the millions of different flowers? What an Artist HE is, and I'm so happy to have been able to paint a canvas with just one of his awesome creations ;)




I've already gotten about 5 seeds from one of the flowers I dead-headed today, so we'll have a HUGE garden next year.



We also have some FREE Lantana (transplanted from the back yard) that I'm hoping will start to get big. I love having this little BUTTERFLY garden, just hope some of our friends will come by this fall! :)

Hope you all are having a BLESSED Sunday!

TONS of Giveaways......

Good Morning!

There is a BIG BIG BIG giveaway going on over at Elle Dee Designs Facebook Page, including a Personalized KeyChain from me!!!



Ways to gain entries are pretty simple, just follow these steps:

First, you must LIKE Elle Dee Designs Facebook Page. Simple, right?


Then look over to the left side of the page, click where it says "1500 Fan Giveaway". Check.


Scroll down and see all that you can win! She has put up a photo album of photos too, so be sure to take a look at all the awesome prizes! Check check.


As you scroll down, you'll see HOW TO ENTER, then under that will have each way you can enter! If you like the item the sponsor is giving away, just click where it says DO IT:, then when you click, the I DID IT will turn green. Pretty ingenious!





Thanks Lani for asking me to participate! Don't forget to do the entries to win one of my Personalized Keychains!!!